The United States is in its third decade without the federal government implementing a congressionally mandated entry-exit system, which would help protect the nation from terrorism and dramatically reduce illegal immigration. The shocking failures came to light when U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) asked Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for international affairs Alan Bersin how many foreign nationals overstay their visas every year.

Why do Republicans nauseatingly refuse to address America's gun murder epidemic? Why are they so determined to sustain our well-earned reputation as the most violent nation in the civilized western world? Why are they jerking their knees in reflexive opposition to President Obama's modest attempts to defend our right to remain alive?

Last week, I had the most interesting dream. I was floating in the clouds when suddenly the sky cleared and in front of me was a large gate, partially opened. There was a man was sitting before it. He had a substantial flowing beard and appeared to be in dramatic need of an eyebrow trimmer. Perched on a simple chair, he was staring, or more correctly, glaring at me. No doubt - this was God. And he was angry.

Prosecutions are like snowflakes, no two the same. Sometimes, you have a low-profile drunken-driving case where the defendant is a first-time offender, the district attorney is willing to offer a plea deal, and no one except the parties involved will ever know about it.

Donald Trump is out of his mind (nothing new there) if he really thinks that he can taint Hillary Clinton by recycling her husband's infidelities. How can he, or any other Republican, hope to gain traction in 2016 with a tactic that backfired so abysmally in the last century?

Because I once voted liberal, at the beginning of each new year I take it as my personal responsibility to pose a few suggestions to my liberal friends out there who are still living on the dark side. So, without further ado, I present to you my third annual "Suggestions for Liberals" column.

I am very rarely recognized in public, but the other day a gentleman named Sonny stopped me in the aisle at Barnes and Noble and said "Hey TV lady." Sonny wasn't looking for an autograph, or polite banter. He launched right into a conversation about race.

At the beginning of a new year, cultures all over the world traditionally perform peculiar ceremonies meant to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. The Chinese hide knives to ward off danger. In Denmark, old dishes are thrown at front doors to symbolize the collection of new friends. Spanish residents eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of the clock to promote good fortune. And in the Durst household, we percolate sardonically cynical predictions for the upcoming 12 months.